Lactic Acid Bacterial Exopolysaccharides- Its Functional Role, Therapeutic Potential, and Industrial Relevance

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are high-molecular-weight polymers composed primarily of carbohydrate units secreted into the extracellular environment. These natural biopolymers have garnered growing attention due to their multifaceted applications in food, health, and biotechnology. EPS synthesized by LAB can be structurally classified into homopolysaccharides and heteropolysaccharides, with their composition and function being strain-specific and influenced by environmental and genetic factors. In food systems, LAB-derived EPS significantly enhance texture, viscosity, water retention, and stability, contributing to improved mouthfeel and sensory properties, particularly in fermented dairy and plant-based products. Moreover, EPS act as natural, clean-label alternatives to synthetic thickeners and stabilizers.

Beyond technological benefits, LAB-EPS have demonstrated promising biofunctional properties, including prebiotic activity, antioxidant potential, immunomodulatory effects, and cholesterol-lowering capabilities. These health-promoting attributes position LAB-EPS as strong candidates for incorporation into functional foods and nutraceuticals. Advances in genetic and metabolic engineering, including CRISPR-Cas9 and systems biology approaches, have further enabled the targeted modification of LAB strains to enhance EPS yield and tailor polymer functionality.

Industrial interest in LAB-EPS extends to biomedical, cosmetic, and environmental applications—ranging from drug delivery and wound healing to biodegradable films and eco-friendly packaging. However, challenges such as scalable production, structural standardization, and regulatory clarity must be addressed to facilitate commercial adoption.

This review highlights recent progress in understanding LAB-EPS biosynthesis, structural diversity, functional properties, and emerging applications. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable production strategies to unlock the full potential of LAB-derived EPS in next-generation bio-based solutions.